From The Desk of Ann Steenwyk

Core Values Series: Building Strong Social Bonds

April 18, 2019

By Ann Steenwyk

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5: 1-2

Last week I had the opportunity to share a little about our school with a soon-to-be Dordt graduate interested in our school. I was trying to portray the deep social relationships that are ingrained in our school community and the love that each staff member has for each other here. Since I’ve been at this school in this role, I’ve noticed something very unique and special about the authentic care our teachers have for each other. Maybe you have seen evidence of this too. For example, over the last few school days, we’ve had several events that have required a team effort on the part of our staff members. Moving chairs, setting up chairs, setting up and taking down bleachers, moving pianos, etc. I’m always astonished at how quickly this gets done. Similarly, school board members and their families are frequently behind the scenes doing extra custodial and building jobs, buying coffee for staff members, covering the office, and genuinely sacrificing their own time and resources to show love and support.

This sacrificial love, modeled first by Christ in the most brutal way on the cross, is not only modeled by our staff and community members but it is also taught daily to our students. This is the kind of sacrificial love that creates strong social bonds and deep respect for each other. Because we can talk openly in our school about Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross, we can also teach our students what it means to show respect and sacrificial love in all of our earthly relationships. I encourage you to share with me any specific examples you have observed of this sacrificial love in our social bonds here at SCS.

Obviously, as we continue to exist in a world where selfishness often takes center stage, we know we still have work to do in this area. Our work is not done! Please join me in praying for our social relationships and that we can continue to model and teach the sacrificial love that Christ modeled for us.